Species guide
How to catch Walleye
Sander vitreus
freshwaterbrackishgame fishPercidae
Walleye are popular freshwater game fish known for their elongated bodies and distinctive glassy eyes. They are nocturnal hunters that favor feeding on smaller fish and aquatic creatures. Widely stocked in lakes, they provide excellent sport fishing opportunities.
Where they live
Walleye inhabit medium to large freshwater and brackish lakes and rivers across North America, favoring turbid, shallow waters and depths up to 27 meters.
Typical size
Up to about 107 cm
What they eat
- yellow perch
- freshwater drum
- crayfish
- snails
- frogs
- small mammals
- various fish species
Best baits
- minnows
- nightcrawlers
- leeches
- crayfish imitations
Best lures
- jigs
- crankbaits
- spinner rigs
- soft plastic swimbaits
How to fish for them
- night fishing
- casting jigs
- trolling crankbaits
- drift fishing
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